18/11/2025
Government Recognizes Donkey & Mule Healthcare — A Major Victory for ‘Dharma Donkey Sanctuary’!”
Official Approval Granted for Their Purchase & Sale
A historic step has been taken for the healthcare of donkeys and mules—hard-working yet long-neglected animals. Thanks to the consistent efforts of Dharma Donkey Sanctuary, the Maharashtra Department of Animal Husbandry has issued an order mandating regular vaccination, health checkups, and treatment for these animals, along with formalizing their purchase and sale.
For the past one and a half years, Dharma Donkey Sanctuary, Sagroli (Biloli Taluka), in collaboration with FIAPO (Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations) and AIF (Animal India Foundation), has been working for the welfare of nearly 2,000 donkeys used in brick kilns in Parli and Ambajogai (Beed district) and for sand and construction transport in the Sagroli region. The initiative included owner awareness, training for livestock development officers and assistants, and establishing regular linkage between donkey owners and government veterinary services.
Due to persistent follow-up by the organisation, the Commissioner of Animal Husbandry has now directed all district Deputy Commissioners to ensure mandatory TT vaccination twice a year, deworming, and essential treatment for donkeys and mules. Instructions have also been issued to provide official receipts and certificates for their lawful purchase and sale. This is a milestone not only for donkey owners but for the entire animal welfare sector, ensuring healthier and happier donkeys. The organisation has expressed heartfelt gratitude to all supporters, partner institutions, and government authorities.
To secure recognition of donkeys within government veterinary services and policies—similar to other livestock—the organisation had appealed to Hon. Minister Pankaja Tai Munde, Secretary Dr. Ramaswami N., and Commissioner Dr. Praveenkumar Deore. Their positive response made this achievement possible. The organisation now commits to ensuring proper implementation of the newly issued order.
— Abhijit Mahajan, Trustee
Dharma Donkey Sanctuary, Sagroli (Nanded District)